SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) – The government of Trinidad and Tobago is deliberating on a proposed amendment to the local Hindu marriage act that aims to include women's occupations on marriage certificates, a change long advocated by activists. This amendment reflects ongoing efforts to enhance the rights and recognition of women in the diverse population of the twin-island nation.

Approximately 20% of Trinidad and Tobago’s 1.4 million residents practice Hinduism, with 35% identifying as East Indian. This demographic represents the largest ethnic group in the country, tracing their roots to indentured workers who were brought to the islands from India during the colonial period. The government recognizes the need to address gender sensitivity, particularly within cultural practices that may still harbor vestiges of colonialism.

On Friday, Trinidad's Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs announced that they have submitted a report to the state’s law reform commission proposing the amendment. This initiative is not limited to just the Hindu marriage act; the commission has also been tasked with exploring similar reforms across various sectors, although the government has not specified which sectors will be reviewed. The goal is to make recommendations that would lead to greater national acknowledgment of women's rights.

Kamla Tewarie, the president of the Hindu Women’s Organization in Trinidad, has been a vocal supporter of this proposed change, emphasizing the need for action on this matter for several years. In an interview with the Trinidad & Tobago Guardian newspaper, she highlighted the discriminatory practices that have persisted, noting that it is unfortunate that the omission of women’s occupations and educational qualifications from marriage certificates remains an unresolved issue. Tewarie pointed out that this oversight serves as a relic of colonialism and fails to recognize the contributions and identities of women.

The proposed amendment is part of a broader movement to enhance gender equality and ensure that women's identities are acknowledged in legal documentation. It indicates a significant step toward empowering women and rectifying historical injustices associated with marriage practices. This change is expected to not only enhance women's recognition within the context of marriage but also encourage a societal shift towards broader gender equality in Trinidad and Tobago.